Choristers presented with 25 Year medals

Simon McGonigle and Victor Goodman pictured at St. Columb's Cathedral on Sunday last after receiving their 25 years service medals. Centre are Rev. Canon John Merrick and The Dean of Derry, Very Rev. Dr. William Morton DL. INLS4015MC001

Two of them, Victor Goodman and Simon McGonigle, were presented with their medals on Sunday last at the Choral Evensong service while the remaining two recipients will receive theirs at a later date.

Absent from the presentation was Cathedral Organist and Choirmaster, Ian Mills, who is currently in Dublin studying for ordination. Mr Mills studied as a boy chorister and branched out into music and then became the Cathedral Organist before returning to study theology, which he undertook in September. He will, however, be maintaining his links with the Cathedral and is being assisted by Dr Derek Collins, who is the acting Organist at the Cathedral at present.

Christopher Wright, who also studied as a boy chorister, will receive his 25 Year Medal on a separate occasion.

Simon McGonigle pictured with his father Robert, at St. Columb's Cathedral on Sunday last after receiving his 25 years service medal. INLS4015MC002

Congratulating all four choir members, the Dean of Derry, Very Rev Dr William Morton said they were to be “hugely congratulated on their magnificent achievement”.

“It is an amazing achievement to have four of the choir attain this level of service,” he said.

“All four of them have gone through the ranks from boy chorister to senior member of the Men’s Choir. It is a fantastic achievement and their commitment should not be underestimated. It is not a matter of turning up to sing on a Sunday.

“On Sunday they will have practised for an hour and in addition the boys go to practice two afternoons a week. It is a huge commitment,” the Dean said.